VAccine Responses to understand ImmunE Dysfunction: VARIED study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
VAccine Responses to understand ImmunE Dysfunction in immunocompromised individuals - VARIED study
IRAS ID
328759
Contact name
Rona Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
This project will analyse samples collected in previous ethically approved studies conducted in patients with compromised immune systems, in conjunction with detailed clinical data, to characterise various patterns of immune dysfunction and the specific impact on responses to vaccines.
Individuals who are immunocompromised, and at greatest risk of infection, are also more likely to mount a sub-optimal response to vaccination. The ability to more accurately define individuals’ degree of immunosuppression and to risk stratify individuals will facilitate more targeted public health measures, such as alternative pre-exposure prophylactic agents to prevent infection in those individuals with the most compromised immune systems, or optimising vaccination schedules around timing of therapy.
Samples have been collected from patients with a variety of conditions which impact the immune system, either as a result of an underlying condition, or treatments needed to manage the condition, such as chemotherapy for cancer, immunosuppression to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ or to control and autoimmune condition, which is attacking the body. The response of the immune system to a vaccine, using it as an immune probe, can inform the understanding of disease pathogenesis, response to treatment and potential identify novel therapeutic targets.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/0097
Date of REC Opinion
13 Mar 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion